By Sabiu Abdullahi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has picked the senate nomination form of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) five days after formally joining the party.
Mohammed resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 2 and moved to the APM, citing prolonged court cases and internal disputes within the PDP as reasons for his departure.
In his statement issued on Thursday, the governor confirmed that he picked the nomination form during the APM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national headquarters.
“During the meeting, I officially picked up my nomination form to contest for the senate seat representing Bauchi south senatorial district under the platform of the APM ahead of the forthcoming elections,” he said.
The NEC meeting was presided over by Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the party’s national chairman, and focused on key national and internal party issues. The session also provided an opportunity for Mohammed to formally engage with the party’s leadership structure.
He noted that Nigeria’s political environment has become increasingly difficult due to “undemocratic practices and political intimidation”, which he said have limited genuine participation for progressive leaders and movements.
Following consultations with political associates, stakeholders, and supporters across the country, Mohammed said the APM emerged as the most suitable platform for his political direction.
He explained that the party aligns with his political values, especially in the areas of good governance, internal democracy, justice, inclusiveness, and respect for the rule of law.
“I further emphasised that our decision to join the party was driven by conviction and the desire to contribute meaningfully to building a stronger democratic culture in Nigeria,” he said.
Mohammed also disclosed that several political office holders and stakeholders who were previously aligned with the PDP structure in Bauchi have followed him into the APM.
These include members of the National Assembly, the Bauchi State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, commissioners, ward executives, party officials, and other supporters at the grassroots level.
The governor assured the party leadership of his commitment to contribute resources, experience, and political support toward strengthening the APM ahead of future elections.